Perth woman rides 10,000 kilometres in support of WaterAid

News

29 May 2014 | AU

Perth woman, Kelly Sheldrick, is one month into an epic 10,000 kilometre bicycle journey between France and China, in a personal challenge to raise awareness and funds for WaterAid.

Kelly Sheldrick was inspired to support WaterAid after learning about the dangers and risks that women and girls in developing countries face every day doing basic tasks like collecting water, washing, and going to the toilet.

“I've read a lot of articles recently about issues related to the dangers, such as rape and assault, some women in developing countries risk when doing, what I consider to be, everyday tasks, such as washing and going to the toilet,” said Ms Sheldrick.

748 million people around the world do not have access to clean, safe water, and 1 in 3 people do not have adequate access to sanitation. The funds raised by the ‘France to China by bike’ journey will help WaterAid transform the lives of the world’s poorest people with improved access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.

Kelly Sheldrick has set a fundraising goal of $10,000, to raise over the seven month bicycle journey.

“If I can raise enough money to help save just a couple of girls from the dangers of going to the toilet in the open, than all the pain, stress and hard work endured during the bicycle trip will be worth it,” said Ms Sheldrick.

Kelly Sheldrick, along with her boyfriend Michael Cowgill, set off on their ‘France to China by bike’ journey in late April. They are currently 1,700 kilometres into the 10,000 kilometre journey. Ms Sheldrick has already raised over $789 for WaterAid.

About WaterAidWaterAid’s vision is of a world where everyone has access to safe water and sanitation. The international organisation works in 26 countries across Africa, Asia, Central America and the Pacific region to transform lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in some of the world’s poorest communities. Since 1981, WaterAid has reached 19.2 million people with safe water and, since 2004, 15.1 million people with sanitation. For more information, visit: www.wateraid.org/au